Tuesday, 30 December 2008

Over the past twelve months Andrei Arshavin has become a big name in European football. He has undoubted talent and announced his intention of leaving Zenit St. Petersburg of Russia.

The price bandied about for Andrei Arshavin is £20m, extortionate for a player who is unproven outside of Russia. £10m would be worth a risk but probably a risk worth taking.

Arsenal have been linked with a move for him since the summer and while I agree that a player of his ability would be welcome at Arsenal there could be someone a little closer to home, who I believe would be better value too!

For me Mikel Arteta would be a perfect signing for Arsenal and I'm sure he would cost a lot less than £20m!

In Arsene Wenger's programme notes for Sunday’s match against Portsmouth he admitted Arsenal might need a creative spark due to the injuries Fabregas, Walcott and Rosicky have suffered.

Arshavin and Arteta are players who can provide that spark but Arteta has something that Arshavin doesn't possess. Premiership experience.

Arteta wouldn't need time to settle in at Arsenal. He has played in the Premiership since 2005 and Arsenal need players who can make an impact now. He is used to the league and I'd argue that Arshavin, despite his talent, would need at least six months to acclimatise to Premiership football.

Mikel Arteta is very versatile and that would appeal to Arsene Wenger, who as we all know, loves to play players out of position. Able to play anywhere across the midfield, Arteta would bea vital player for anyone to have.

We could use him in the middle of the park to provide cover for Cesc's absence and when Cesc returns he can quite easily play on either side of midfield where he has excelled for Everton.

I think he would relish a move to Arsenal. Without sounding disrespectful to Everton, it would help his chances of international football too. He would be playing in the Champions League regularly and that always gets the eye of a national coach.

I read that Everton are in need of money and David Moyes needs to sell before he can buy. I wonder if Wenger could put in an offer that just maybe too good to refuse.

Arsene Wenger needs to forget about the title. Our chances of winning the league ended a long time ago.

Wenger needs to be realistic now. A top four finish has to be the priority for Arsenal and we are in for a long hard battle to achieve it.

I hate to say this but we need to forget about Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool. They are on another level at the moment.

We need to concentrate on finishing above Aston Villa and claim that fourth spot in the league table.

Its not going to be easy because Aston Villa are proving to be real contenders and are worthy of their lofty position. They deserve it.

However, Aston Villa are in very good form at the moment and this cannot last forever. There will be a time in the season when they hit a brick wall and Arsenal must be there to capitalise on the situation.

Arsenal need to keep pace with Villa because the season is a marathon, not a sprint and when Villa begin to slow down then Arsenal must pounce.

Aston Villa have a small squad and tend to use the same starting eleven every week. It would be interesting to see how Aston Villa would cope with losing key players to injury like Arsenal have had to do.

They have been lucky in this respect compared to Arsenal this campaign. I think they would struggle without Barry or Young in the side. Any side would.

There will be a time when Aston Villa have to solve these problems and I don't think they could.

Arsene Wenger needs to get the cheque book out and I think he will.

A couple of signings in the transfer window would be a boost to the club and give us Gooners a much needed lift. New arrivals may also give Arsenal a new leash of life and some added verve.

This will be crucial in the second phase of the season. And it's obvious we have yet to have seen the best of Arsenal this season over a sustained period of time.

Aston Villa are on a fantastic run at the moment and that is something Arsenal haven't done this season, yet.

I'm sure at some point Arsenal will go on a long unbeaten run with a lot of victories. That, combined with Aston Villa running out of steam will be enough for Arsenal to claim fourth place.

Friday, 26 December 2008

I'm 26 years old and I've never heard of Arsenal going into a game against Aston Villa as underdogs. Until now.

Well, times are changing. I'll take nothing away from Aston Villa. Under Martin O'Neill's guidance they have proved to be a real force this season and thoroughly deserve their lofty position in the table.

Arsenal on the other hand have struggled to gain any consistency this season. Except being inconsistent and that is a kind of a consistency I guess.....

Anyhow today will prove to be a very tough game for both sides. It really is a six-pointer and could prove to be a defining moment of the season.

Victory for either side will provide a huge psychological boost in the race for Champions League places. That's how important today is. It will have repercussions for the rest of the season.

I understand the reason's for people writing Arsenal off. I've done it myself to an extent. But the season can be saved. And it will start with a victory today for Arsenal.

Without sounding arrogant Aston Villa used to be a game where I expected three points. I don't and can't anymore. Villa are too good for that and deserve respect.

But I think an Arsenal win is on the cards today. There will be hairy moments but I think Arsenal will pull through.

This is a big game and these Arsenal players appear to have a big game mentality. We've seen it against Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool.

Both sides will want to win so much and the team that shows the most hunger will win. Villa smashed us at the Emirates because they wanted it more and deserved the three points.

Arsenal need to use that performance against Villa as motivation or they may as well not bother to turn up.

Aston Villa will be hungry today but I expect Arsenal to be starving. We will upset the odds and win today.

Aston Villa 1-2 Arsenal.

A big win today could really kick-start our season. A couple of signings in the transfer window and you never know, it may end up being a great season.

Thursday, 25 December 2008

Arsene Wenger has been compared to Scrooge because of his reluctance to splash some cash!

Well Scrooge changed and if he can then so can Wenger.

Here's hoping that Mr Wenger has sent Santa his Xmas wish list for the new year and Arsenal get the players required to revive the season.

All is not lost on this Xmas day. A win over Aston Villa tomorrow could kick-start the campaign, add those new faces and Arsenal get a top four place easily and the Champions League trophy arrives at the Emirates!

Wednesday, 24 December 2008

Arsene Wenger is facing the toughest spell of his Arsenal career but I don't doubt his capabilities to guide us through this rough patch.

Things are looking bleak for Arsenal at the moment so in theory things can only get better - and they will.

I'm worried about the direction that Arsenal seem to be heading, that is a fact I can't deny, but we are in the safest hands possible with Arsene Wenger in charge.

It's difficult at the moment and we Gooners don't have much to cheer about, especially with Cesc Fabregas ruled out for so long, but the club has been through worse times than this.

The season can still be saved. I'm not saying we can win the league but fourth place has to be the target, and I still believe the Champions League trophy is destined for the Emirates.

I admit after last season's near-miss fourth place is a step backwards but it's vital to reach the Champions League next season for so many reasons. Especially finanically.

To do this Wenger needs to dip into the transfer market - and I think he will.

The injury to Fabregas will force his arm into entering the market and it's a shame its taken an injury to do so.

We needed to buy before Fabregas was injured, even more so now. A couple of new signings will be a breathe of fresh air around the club and will give everyone a lift, propelling Arsenal's second half of the season.

It seems all doom and gloom at the moment and I must admit, yesterday I felt very pissed off about things but I can see light at the end of the tunnel.

We Gooners need to stick together and unite. We will get through this. Lets create a mentality of "us against the world".

Thursday, 18 December 2008

I'm really frustrated. I look at the league table and like many Gooners I hate what I am seeing.

This season could have been so different. The title is there for the taking.

Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United are not exactly setting the league alight and we haven't taken advantage of the situation.

We have struggled this season but Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United have too.

Inside Arsene Wenger must be kicking himself. If he could have managed to keep last seasons squad together and made a couple of summer signings, this season could have been the easiest shot at the title he has ever had.

Instead we face a battle for fourth place and wonder what might have been.

I have reluntantly ruled Arsenal out of the title race and hate to do so. I can't see us not losing another game this season. We are too inconsistent and lack the quality needed.

What is frustrating me is we were almost there last season and now instead of building on that we seem to have gone backwards. We have weakened when we should have strengthened.

This wasn't how it was supposed to be. Arsenal were back. Now I just hope for a top four finish when really I should be thinking that we are going to be champions.

Arsenal should have been in a strong position at the top of the table. The fixture list was kind to say the least.

The way the results are going if any of the top four put a run together then they would be title winners. It's too late though for Arsenal.

It may be too late but I often wonder what might have been. We could have won it this year. This could have been Wenger's easiest title win.

Monday, 15 December 2008

Its been a whole year since I began writing the blog. Many will say that I haven't improved and I'm inclined to agree with them!

I began writing Wrighty7 because I used to write a lot of comments on Arsenal Analysis and thought that maybe I should have a go myself.

I was helped a lot by 1970's Gooner who writes on the blog. To be honest he inspired me to start Wrighty7 and I'd like to thank him for all the help he has given me. It is appreciated a huge amount.

Arsenal Analysis is one of the first blogs I look for every day and I recommend it to anyone.

I'd also like to say thanks to Pedro and Geoff from Le Grove. I think Le Grove is a blog that is misunderstood in many ways. In a year it has grown into one of the biggest Arsenal blogs around. So many read it and contribute, they can't all be wrong can they?

I think Le Grove takes a lot of unfair stick. Pedro and Geoff are only giving an opinion on Arsenal. Same as all the Gooner sites around.

I'd also like to say thanks to all the Gooner sites on my blog roll. They swapped links with me and helped me to build Wrighty7.

Every blog is different and thats what makes them so good!

Newsnow, Goonernews and Arsenal News have helped put my blog out to a wider audience and for that I'm grateful.

From a personal point of view I'm over the moon that I've reached a year of blogging.

I realise that Wrighty7 is not the best written blog around. I try to keep things simple and I think that Gooners relate to me because I write from the heart about my beloved Arsenal.

I will continue to write the blog because I've enjoyed doing it. It's turned from a hobby into an obsession.

Thank you to everyone who has read my blog over the past year and thanks to those who have left comments!

Sunday, 14 December 2008

There is no doubting the fact that this Arsenal squad needs strengthening. It's been a big subject amongst any conversation involving Arsenal for a while now.

Most Gooners, pundits and ex-players all agree that Arsenal need to buy. The sooner the better because the season is beginning to take shape and it seems Arsenal are in for a real battle for fourth place.

Arsene Wenger has set such high standards at Arsenal that it is inevitable the day those standards slip people will begin to ask questions.

We Gooners have watched an invincible side taken apart and replaced by a side who are struggling. It's painful to watch but it's only recently murmurs of discontent have spread amonst Gooners.

We are used to competing, thanks largely to Arsene Wenger who over the years since his appointment has maintained a high standard at the club.

Those high standards set by Arsene Wenger are not being matched anymore. They haven't been for four years.

We were unfortunate last season but even the end of season collapse may have been prevented. It was obvious throughout the season that the squad was full of talent but lacked depth. But Wenger did nothing.

Gooners have kept quiet because of Wenger's achievements. He has been given the time and patience by us because we believe in him. It's only recently Gooners are beginning to show some displeasure at what is being witnessed.

The problem is it seems glaringly obvious to everyone that Arsenal need to make signings. Only Wenger doesn't see it and seems to have his head buried in the sand.

I understand his public intentions. He wants to protect his players but the truth is Arsenal are suffering because Wenger believes he is right in what he is doing.

He isn't. Signings are needed because things appear to getting worse rather than better. Arsene Wenger doesn't seem to listen to anyone but I think there is one person he may listen too.

Cesc Fabregas.........

Cesc Fabregas is the present and the future of Arsenal. He is our captain and the team is built around him. Despite this he can't be happy with the situation at Arsenal.

He won the Euro's with Spain and has had a taster of what it is like to win things. Publicly he can back his fellow team mates all he wants but privately he must be dismayed at whats going on.

A player of his talent needs to be competing for honours and he must look at some of his team mates and think how can we achieve this?

He is the voice of the team and he needs to go to Arsene Wenger and tell the gaffer that changes are needed. If Wenger doesn't listen to Fabregas then who will he listen too?

If Fabregas doesn't feel that Arsenal are going to win things then it is unlikely he will stay. Why should he? With a click of his fingers he could go back to Barcelona who are beginning to look the real deal again.

Arsene Wenger needs to realise that his ways are beginning to backfire. In the past he hasn't been afraid to use funds available why not anymore?

Cesc Fabregas has a special relationship with Arsene Wenger. That bond could be broken unless Mr Wenger wises up and realises that Cesc needs help. He is a young man with a lot of responsibilities.

If Fabregas wakes up one morning and thinks enough is enough then I wouldn't blame him. It's time for Wenger stop being stubborn and get back to those high standards he set at the club.

Saturday, 13 December 2008

I've ended up with egg on my face. There was me telling anyone who would listen that I believed Arsenal would win today. I believed Arsenal would win convincingly too.

I even had a bet. I had a bet on Arsenal winning 4-0. That's how confident I was.

I wish I had a different bet. I wish I bet that Arsenal would turn in another shocking performance. I would have won a lot of money.

I can't say I'm surprised at the performance really. It's happened so many times this season it's becoming the norm at Arsenal.

I was tempted to blame everything on the midfield. Without doubt this is the poorest midfield that Arsenal have had under Arsene Wenger.

Its so poor I wouldn't blame Cesc Fabregas if he did want to leave Arsenal. Imagine having Song as your partner. Quite scary really.

There was no pace or penetration from the midfield. I lost count of the amount of times it became so congested in there players were getting in the way of each other.

The blame must lie with Arsene Wenger. I can't understand why he persists with playing Denilson on the right and Diaby down the left. Both were desperate to keep going into the middle, causing all sorts of problems.

Why does Wenger leave making his substitutions until it's too late? Bendtner came on with 10 minutes to go. How is he expected to make an impact?

A change around the hour mark could have changed the game. The middle of the park was congested so why wasn't Vela given a chance to stretch the play with an appearance down the left?

That's why he was on the bench. To change the game if need be. So why not use him?

The subs must have sat there thinking to themselves, "Whats the point of being here?" Arsene Wenger may as well only pick 11 for the match day squad.

I don't want people to think I'm picking on Song here but many times did he give the ball away? He is supposed to be the holding player yet I continuously saw him 15 yards further up the field than Fabregas.

Again Wenger should have acted earlier. He should have told Song to hold his position and let Fabregas go forward to influence the play more.

It is me or do this Arsenal side look lazy? For the 'Boro goal the deflected clearance should have been dealt with. Song was the closest player to Tuncay yet he reacted like he was stoned. A little glance over the shoulder was the best he could muster.

There was little or no creativity from the midfield. Le Boss must have seen this. Fabregas was being suffocated yet there was still no reaction from Arsene Wenger.

I've said in the past that the title was over. How can I change my mind when I see a performance like that?

Arsene Wenger has some serious work to do. If he doesn't make any signings then Arsenal are in deep trouble.

He also needs to take a deep look at himself. I know he hurts when he sees Arsenal play like this. He wants beautiful football but it's time to end his stubbornness.

This team needs help. January can't come fast enough for me. If Arsene Wenger doesn't make any signings then on his head be it.

Thursday, 11 December 2008

Last night was an absolute pile of shit. How many times have we said that this season?

Its beginning to become the norm.......

Despite this inconsistency I still believe that Arsenal can win the Champions League. Call me mad or delusional, Arsenal on their day can match and beat the best.

We could draw Roma, Panathanaikos, Barcelona, Bayern Munich or Juventus in the next phase of the Champions League.

I look at Barcelona as the only game I'd want to avoid at this stage. Purely because I want to avenge the 2006 final.

Arsenal can beat any of those sides. It depends what Arsenal turn up. If the Arsenal from last night turn up, expect a hiding, but if the Arsenal who beat Manchester United turn up then why should we fear anyone?

Those sides will NOT want to face Arsenal. Trust me, Arsenal are the name any side in the tournament will not want to face.

This Jekyll and Hyde team have to hit a run of form at some time this season. And an Arsenal side full of confidence is a very dangerous prospect for anyone to face.

Monday, 8 December 2008

Aston Villa have emerged into a real threat for Champions League qualification but I think that it will be a step too far for them this season.

Martin O'Neill has done a fantastic job at the club and he has turned Aston Villa into a real force in the Premiership. Their 2-0 victory over us at the Emirates proves this.

Aston Villa fully deserved that win and have players like Young and Abgonlahor who are becoming fantastic players.

Young is a Gooner too! I'd love to see him in an Arsenal shirt!

I mean no disrespect to Aston Villa but I can see them falling away from the top four in the new year. They will finish fifth in my opinion, and that will be a great achievement in itself.

Arsenal will strengthen in January, we have too. I think the likely additions will inspire Arsenal and push us on to finish in the top four comfortably.

Without sounding arrogant it worries me slightly that Arsenal are worried about Aston Villa competing with us for fourth place.

The gap between us and the other top four sides seems to have widened whilst the gap between us and the likes of Aston Villa seems to have narrowed.

It will continue to narrow unless we strengthen the squad, because I'm sure Martin O'Neill will add to his set of players.

I'm sure Aston Villa fans will believe they can finish in the top four and why not? They are firmly in the mixer. They certainly pose a much larger threat than Tottenham do!

I just think it will be a step too far for them this season. Arsenal are due a run of games where we win 7-8 on the trot and that will prove too much for Villa.

Aston Villa also are in the running for Europe, same as Arsenal, but Arsenal have more experience coping with the situation.

I'm sure I saw a stat that Villa have only used 17 players in the Premiership this season. They will be tired later on in the season and I wonder how Young and Abgonlahor will cope without having a rest.

Sunday, 7 December 2008

I really felt for Emmanuel Eboue yesterday. I know his performance was shocking but the cheering from Gooners when he was substituted was in my opinion was harsh.

Gooners pay plenty of money to watch Arsenal and maybe feel that they earn the right to behave how they want at games. I agree to a certain extent but I think it is harsh to single out one player.

Eboue will never be a crowd favourite and he can infuriate me with his play-acting but you could see how much the crowd's reaction hurt him.

He was close to tears and nobody likes to see a grown man cry. To see him so distraught wasn't a nice sight.

Wenger says that Eboue is a sensitive boy who wants to do well. I hope we see a positive reaction from him in the next game he plays but I think after yesterday his confidence is shot.

He is an immensely popular lad in the dressing room and I don't think he is as bad as some people make him out to be. In my eyes he is a very good right back but Sagna is better.

Let's hope it was just an off day for Eboue and he comes back stronger from this. A little more effort from him would be a start!

I understand that we Gooners are going through a difficult period at the moment and it is frustrating but please lets not start getting on the backs on individual players.

I think we are looking for a scapegoat and Eboue is an easy target. I know he was shit yesterday but haven't you had a really really bad day at work before? I know I have and it seems once one thing goes wrong the rest of the day seems to follow suit.

It's easy to get on the back of Eboue but lets try not to. After all, he does play for Arsenal.

A little question is at the back of my mind. Would the Gooners who "turned" on Eboue have done the same if it was Cesc Fabregas having the worst game of his life?

Friday, 5 December 2008

I always had Cristiano Ronaldo down as a show pony when he first joined Manchester United but he has improved so much.

He has developed into one of the best players in the world and a huge amount of credit must go to Alex Ferguson for the way Ronaldo has been nurtured into this fine player.

I read today that Ronaldo was an inch away from joining Arsenal. I will upset a lot of United fans by saying this (I don't care) but I think Ronaldo would have been an even BETTER player than he is now had he joined Arsenal and Manchester United.

I say this for one reason, Arsene Wenger.

There is no one better in world football at developing talent than our gaffer. The amount of young talent that Arsene Wenger has brought through is astounding.

Sometimes the youngsters leave Arsenal but look at the amount of other clubs who have benefited from players being developed by Wenger and Arsenal.

There are a number of players littered around who came through at Arsenal but didn't make the grade at the club. The standard of Arsenal's youngsters is amazing.

This isn't a pop at Ferguson (who I've mentioned has done a great job with Ronaldo) but imagine if Cristiano Ronaldo had that type of mentoring from Arsene Wenger.

He wouldn't just be European Footballer of the Year, he would be World Player of the Year too.

Ronaldo is a fantastic player who (frighteningly) will get even better. I don't doubt though that under Wenger's tutelage he would be even better than that.

Thursday, 4 December 2008

Forget the Premiership title, it's beyond us. We've lost far too many games and are too inconsistent to mount a challenge.

The Champions League however is a totally different prospect and it's a trophy that I really believe Arsenal can win.

Our possession football suits the Champions League. It's a far slower pace than the English Premiership and there is no team better in Europe than Arsenal at keeping the ball.

You need the luck of the draw and people will say if Arsenal draw an English team, then we will struggle because they know how to play against us. I beg to differ.

If a side resorts to the usual bully boy tactics employed by Premiership teams then the European referees will stamp down on it. The harsh tackles will not be allowed.

Liverpool and Chelsea have knocked us out in the past but we outplayed them both in those ties. I'd say a great deal of luck enabled them to overcome us. Surely that luck would change?

Successful sides are built on the foundations of a solid defence. The defence made up of Gallas, Djourou, Clichy and Sagna is more than solid enough to keep clean sheets.

We didn't keep a clean sheet against the "almighty" Chelsea but the goal we conceded was an own-goal and could have been prevented had Almunia not suffered a rush of blood to the head.

A Chelsea side at home, had one shot on target against us in 90 minutes. That alone proves to me the back-four of those mentioned above are more than capable of shutting out Europe's elite.

Arsenal always have goals in them. We can score against anyone, especially those crucial away goals.

If we can keep it tight in the home games then we can beat anyone over two legs. Teams will not want to face us.

I see so many parallels between this season and the 2005/06 season when we reached the Champions League final. The inconsistency in the league, the rumour's of infighting. It's uncanny. I don't however see us struggling for fourth place this season. We will get there comfortably.

People are speaking of another trophyless campaign for Arsenal. I don't agree. I genuinely believe the Champions League will be ours in May.

Monday, 1 December 2008

People who read my blog know that I rate William Gallas very highly despite all the shenanigan's over the last year.

I felt that there would be no way back for him after he was stripped of the captaincy. Well, maybe there is.

He is a world class defender and Arsenal are much better off with him than without him. His performance yesterday was top class.

We need to keep William Gallas purely because of his ability to defend. Forget the tantrum's and the bad press, when Gallas is on top of his game there aren't many better in the art of defending.

The main reason I feel we need to keep Gallas is because of his blossoming partnership with Johan Djourou. They look very comfortable together and as a result, Arsenal look a lot more solid at the back.

The Arsenal back-line against Chelsea was fantastic. The foundations of a good team are built on a solid defence.

Many Gooners have called for Djourou to be given a chance, myself included. He has proved that he is ready to become a first team regular, with Gallas alongside him.

Gallas seems happier without the responsibility of the armband. It allows him to concentrate on his main strength, defending.

Arsene Wenger seems to have given William Gallas an olive branch. The reaction of Gooners in the games since he was demoted from the captains role suggest they have too.